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According to the United Nations, worldwide nearly 1.3 million lives are lost in traffic accidents each year and this number could rise to nearly 1.9 million in the next 10 years. Furthermore, estimates show that nearly 90 percent of all crashes are caused by driver error, making advanced safety systems an important focus for automakers and governing agencies. Bosch offers active and passive safety technologies, as well as driver assistance functions that can help reduce the number of accidents and save lives.

Bosch’s driver assistance systems help drivers avoid accidents by using intelligent sensors to detect critical situations. Following are several key driver assistance technologies.

• Predictive Emergency Braking System (PEBS) – Bosch’s PEBS is based on the networking of a radar sensor with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). It can assist in reducing rear-end crashes through its three-stage approach, thus offering drivers advanced warning for improved braking reaction time in critical situations, and assistance in avoiding crashes or reducing the risk of injury in crashes that are unavoidable.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – This system reduces driver stress by automatically controlling the vehicle’s speed and maintaining a predefined minimum distance to the preceding vehicle using a radar sensor. Standard ACC can be activated from speeds of around 20 mph and up and supports the driver primarily on the freeways and long hauls. ACC Stop and Go controls the speed and distance to the preceding vehicle down to vehicle standstill, supporting the driver in heavy traffic situations.
• Mid-Range Radar Sensor (MRR) – The new Bosch MRR sensor supports functions such as ACC and PEBS. Working the same way as the existing long-range radar sensor (LRR3) in the 77 GHz frequency band, it records the distance and position of obstacles with precision and at far less cost. This sensor also can be used in the rear of the vehicle to support functions such as blind spot detection, cross traffic alert and lane change assist.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Bosch’s LDW uses a video camera to detect lane markings ahead of the vehicle and monitor the vehicle’s position in its lane. When the function detects that the vehicle is about to unintentionally leave the lane, it warns the driver through a visual, audible and/or haptic signal (i.e., steering wheel vibration). The function does not issue a warning when the driver activates the turn signal to change lanes intentionally.
• Lane Keeping Support – This system can actively help the driver remain in the marked lane by using a video camera to detect if the vehicle is getting too close to the side of the lane and then taking action to correct the vehicle’s position. When connected with electric power steering, the system will provide a gentle, but noticeable steering torque to prompt the driver to keep the vehicle in the lane. For vehicles without electric power steering, lane keeping support is achieved by applying braking torque to individual wheels. The driver remains responsible for control of the vehicle and can override the system at any time. When the driver activates the turn signal to intentionally change lanes, the function does not intervene.
• Driver Drowsiness Detection – Driver Drowsiness Detection identifies when a driver is at risk of falling asleep and sends a warning to remind the driver of the danger of driving while tired, thus assisting in averting a potential crash. The system operates by analyzing the driver’s steering behavior using data collected from a steering angle sensor or electric power steering system. It identifies “deadbands,” or phases where the driver does not steer for a brief period and then makes an abrupt steering correction. The system combines the frequency and strength of these reactions with other data, such as vehicle speed and time of day, to calculate a tiredness index. If this index exceeds a specific value, an audible, visual (i.e., flashing coffee cup) or other alert mechanism can warn the driver that they are tiring and at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

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Your car research just got even easier!

Carfax and Cars.com today announced the integration of Carfax Vehicle History Reports into the Cars.com mobile app. Anyone searching for used cars using the Android or iPhone Cars.com app now gets free Carfax Vehicle History Reports from subscribing dealers. This valuable information helps smartphone shoppers pinpoint vehicles that fit their needs and make faster buying decisions.

“More than 80 percent of mobile car shoppers carry a smart phone, and that number is growing every year,” said Sharon Knitter, Cars.com Senior Director Mobile and New Car Strategies.  “Adding more functionality and value to our mobile apps is one more way to help car shoppers be more confident car buyers.” 

Cars.com app users will find a ‘Free Carfax Report’ link on the vehicle details page for cars listed by Carfax-subscribing dealers. With a single screen tap, vital information such as ownership history, mileage readings, service details and more is instantly viewable.

“Getting a Carfax Report is a crucial step in the used car buying process,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Carfax and Cars.com are meeting the demands of car buyers who prefer to shop using the Cars.com mobile app and need Carfax information right here, right now.”

Cars.com is one of the leaders in providing online shoppers with access to Carfax information for vehicle listings. Last year, Cars.com included access to Carfax Reports from its mobile website. Cars.com has automatically linked Carfax Reports purchased by dealers to its main website listings since 2005. 

Source Carfax

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Chrysler Group LLC has received nine awards in Consumer Guide Automotive’s 2012 list of “Best Buys” and “Recommended Picks.”

Six Chrysler Group vehicles received Consumer Guide’s prestigious “Best Buys” for the 2012 model year, while three models grabbed “Recommended Picks” in the 2012 list.

Chrysler Group vehicles that received Consumer Guide “Best Buys” for the 2012 model year are:

Chrysler: 300, Town & Country
Dodge: Charger, Grand Caravan, and Journey
Ram: 1500

Models that received “Recommended Picks” by Consumer Guide for the 2012 model year are:

Jeep: Grand Cherokee
Dodge: Durango
FIAT: 500

“We are honored and thrilled to have nine vehicles named as ‘Best Buys’ or ‘Recommended Picks’ by Consumer Guide Automotive,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Chrysler Group launched an unprecedented 16 all-new or substantially-refreshed vehicles in 2010 and 2011, models that continue to resonate with both consumers and objective, third parties like Consumer Guide.”

Consumer Guide’s annual list, designed to make car buying easier for consumers, represents the best overall values in 18 vehicle categories. This year’s list showcases 106 vehicles from the hundreds of cars, SUVs, minivans, and trucks tested.

A “Best Buy” rating signifies that a vehicle is ranked at the top of its class and is strongly approved by the editors. “Best Buy” vehicles represent the finest balance of attributes and price within their classes, and they are the best choices for most consumers. Consumer Guide’s “Recommended Picks” feature vehicles that, though not ranked at the very top of their category, are still worth strong consideration by consumers for their unique combination of attributes and value.

Source Chrysler Group LLC

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American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced that the 2012 Honda Pilot has received the Cars.com “Family Car of the Year,” award. The Pilot SUV received a wide range of upgrades for 2012, including a sleeker front-end design, enhanced interior features and improved fuel economy. The 2012 Pilot had already earned the top spot in the “USA Today, MotorWeek and Cars.com $37k and Under SUV Shootout,” with the editor-in-chief touting the Pilot as “the perfect SUV for buyers who want to comfortably haul the entire family and all of their gear.”

“We’re delighted to see the eight-passenger Pilot’s versatility and family-friendly attributes recognized with this prestigious award,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning, American Honda Motor Co. “The newly refined and more fuel-efficient Pilot provides real value and surprising sophistication for anyone shopping in the segment.”

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Cars.com Family Car of the Year award, which was presented last year to the Honda Odyssey. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is an online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. For more information on the Best of the Year Awards, visit http://www.cars.com/awards/.

Source American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

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We did just that, beginning with a long list of model-year 2008 cars and trucks that Automotive Lease Guide initially predicted would retain above average residual values after three years of ownership. We then consulted NADA Guides to determine their current estimated resale values for the Chicago area, assuming for the sake of argument, that each model was considered a “clean” trade-in (meaning no mechanical defects, only minor wear and tear and a clear title) with 46,500 miles on the odometer. We went back and checked their original MSRPs (manufacturer’s suggested retail prices) as published in the Consumers Digest 2008 New-Car and Truck Buyers’ Guide to determine the percentages of value each retained. Though trade-in values from other sources and for other locations we otherwise checked varied a bit (and dealers may in practice offer more or less for a given vehicle on a given day), according to NADA Guides all of the models in our top 10 list are estimated to return at least 70 percent of their original sticker prices as of mid-January 2012.

 1. Jeep Wrangler

The original SUV traditionally commands among the highest resale values in the industry, particularly in relatively unadorned versions that off-road enthusiasts covet to customize with aftermarket add-ons. A model-year 2008 two-door Wrangler having clocked 46,500 miles in top condition is estimated to return a whopping 90 percent of its original retail price in trade-in value. The four-door Wrangler Unlimited version fares slightly better, holding onto 91 percent of its MSRP according to NADA Guides. By comparison the off-road ready Rubicon versions – which can be too rough for casual owners – retain 77 and 84 percent of their original sticker prices.

2. Mini Cooper

While the diminutive MINI Cooper isn’t for everyone, it’s a blast to drive and is particularly popular among young urban professionals for whom attributes like back seat room and cargo space are secondary considerations. The trade-in value for a base model-year 2008 Cooper in good shape and with 46,500 miles on the odometer is estimated at 77 percent of its original MSRP, says NADA Guides.

3. Toyota Tacoma

The demand for brand-new small pickup trucks may be shrinking, yet the compact Tacoma still commands top dollar as a trade-in. The base four-cylinder standard-cab model from 2008 fares well enough at 72 percent of its original sticker price, but those owning the more practical V-6-powered four-door DoubleCab could be offered as much as 87 percent of its original price in trade on a new model.

4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Though we often deride the boxy military-derived uber-luxury G-Class SUV as looking like the postal vehicle for some posh gated community, NADA Guides says it holds onto its trade-in value better than any other Mercedes from model-year 2008 at 78 percent of its original MSRP.

5. Honda CR-V

NADA Guides estimates this amenable compact crossover currently commands a resale value at 77 percent of its original 2008 sticker price. Used versions are likely to be in particular demand as new-model inventories are just catching up from shortages attributed to last spring’s tsunami and earthquake in Japan.

6. Toyota 4Runner

Mainstream new-car buyers may have shunned traditional truck-based SUVs in recent years because of high gas prices, yet there’s still a market among outdoor adventurers for go-anywhere vehicles that can also tow a boat or trailer. A shortage of used models means the model-year 2008 SR5 version of Toyota’s 4Runner can be expected to command as much as 74 percent of its original sticker price as a trade-in, with the top V-8-powered Limited version lagging behind only slightly at 70 percent.

7. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Speed never goes out of style, with the pavement-burning top V8-powered model in the venerable Mustang line from 2008 estimated to return 73 percent of its original sticker price in trade-in value. By comparison, the 2008 GT model can be expected to hold 67 percent of its original cost in trade, with the more-passive V-6 base version worth just 67 percent of its sticker price.

8. Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500

General Motors’ offerings lead the pack among full-size trucks with substantial trade-in values from the 2008 model year. In clean condition with 46,500 miles driven, NADA Guides estimates the Silverado and Sierra’s basic regular-cab “Work Truck” versions can command an estimated 72 percent of their original sticker prices in trade.

9. Lexus GX 460

This is essentially Lexus’ upscale version of the Toyota 4Runner, for active families who prefer a posher ride as their daily drive. NADA Guides says current model-year 2008 GX470 owners can be expected to receive as much as 70 percent of what they initially paid for their vehicles in trade-in value.

10. Toyota Tundra

A highly regarded full-size pickup that sells in far less volume than any of the domestic entries, a smaller supply in the used-car market helps the 2008 vintage retain as much as an estimated 70 percent of its original cost in resale value according to NADA Guides.

Source Yahoo! Autos

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